Core Insights - Companies with a strong history of dividend payments and increases are attractive to income-focused investors, with Essential Utilities, Verizon, and WesBanco recently announcing dividend hikes and offering yields up to around 6% [1]. Essential Utilities - Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) provides water, wastewater, and natural gas services in the U.S. [2] - The company has raised its dividends for 34 consecutive years, with a recent increase of 5.25% to $0.3426 per share, translating to an annual figure of $1.37 per share [3]. - The current dividend yield is 3.34%, and the annual revenue as of June 30 is $2.34 billion. For Q2 2025, the company reported revenues of $514.91 million and EPS of $0.38, both exceeding consensus estimates [3]. Verizon Communications - Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is a major player in technology and telecommunications, known for its extensive wireless network and services [4]. - The company has increased its dividends for 19 consecutive years, with a recent hike of 1.25% to $0.69 per share, equating to an annual figure of $2.76 per share [5]. - The current dividend yield is 6.68%, and the annual revenue as of June 30 is $137 billion. For Q2 2025, Verizon reported revenues of $34.50 billion and EPS of $1.22, both surpassing consensus estimates [5]. WesBanco - WesBanco Inc. (NASDAQ:WSBC) offers a range of banking and financial services in the U.S. [6]. - The company has raised its dividends for 14 consecutive years, with a recent increase from $0.36 to $0.37 per share, resulting in an annual figure of $1.48 per share [7]. - The current dividend yield stands at 4.40%, and the company maintained its payout level in a recent announcement [7].